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Let’s Get You Started Creating DIY Natural Skincare Products
Do you want to start creating our own skincare, but are unsure of where to start? I don’t blame you! It can be overwhelming. Scratch Mommy is here to help.
Skincare is a big deal. Your skin absorbs approximately 60% of what is put on it, so using skin and body care products that are full of chemicals you can’t pronounce is both scary and risky!
Have you taken a close and questioning look at the skincare ingredient lists in products you’ve recently purchased?
In many cases there are 15-20 ingredients you can’t pronounce. Even products claiming to be natural may have a lot of suspicious chemicals.
Unfortunately, you will not have to look long before you find studies indicating that many commercially produced skincare products contain carcinogens, neurotoxins, and DNA damaging chemicals.1
I love creating healthy new skincare recipes and I always keep an arsenal of natural ingredients right on hand so I have no excuses!
Building Your DIY Skincare Toolbox
1. Find Natural Recipes
Probably much like you, I started browsing blogs just like this one for DIY skincare recipes that I could make on my own at home. The first thing I made was homemade deodorant, which is great for beginners. There are only 3 ingredients in the one that I created and you probably already have all of them in your pantry. Scratch Mommy also has DIY deodorant recipes, one deodorant for regular sweaters and a deodorant for heavy sweaters.
Some other super simple recipes include: lip balm, eye makeup remover, foundation makeup, and sunscreen.
After making a few recipes you find online (or in books, like this e-book that we LOVE at Scratch Mommy), you can get creative and make up your own “science experiments” (that’s what my hubby calls them).
2. Source Natural Ingredients to Stock Your Pantry
Below are the ingredients that I would suggest for someone who wants to get started making DIY skincare products.
Please try to secure ingredients that are organic, raw, unrefined, GMO-free, and sustainably sourced!
Staple Carrier Oils
- Coconut Oil (this is the only coconut oil Scratch Mommy uses) – More solid at room temp than other carrier oils, you’ll see this as a base in the majority of DIY skincare recipes. Learn more in this Scratch Mommy post about carrier oils.
- Almond Oil (we love this organic almond oil) – Other than those who have an almond sensitivity, this is an excellent carrier oil with multiple applications.
- Jojoba Oil (this jojoba oil is divine) – Again, another staple carrier oil in skincare DIYs; learn more in this Scratch Mommy post.
View other carrier oil options
Review our extensive post on all things carrier oils here on Scratch Mommy!
Staple Butters
- Shea Butter (this is a fantastically smooth shea butter) – A bit more soft than cocoa butter, you can apply this solo or mixed with a carrier oil.
- Cocoa Butter (organic, raw, unrefined cocoa butter like this) – Delicious and healthy chocolate-ish-ness? Yes, please!
View other specific butter options
Review our extensive post on all things body butters here on Scratch Mommy!
Essential Oils
- Tea tree, lavender, orange, and peppermint are favorites!
Mountain Rose Herbs is where Jess, owner of Pronounce Skincare, buys the majority of her Essential Oils for DIYs and products in the Organic Skincare Shop
Other Essential Staples
- Beeswax (excellent quality, sustainably harvested…our favorite beeswax)
- Witch Hazel (this is the witch hazel we have in our toolbox; a lower alcohol content witch hazel)
- Bentonite Clay (this is our favorite bentonite clay good for so many ailments)
- Vitamin E Oil (this is a great Vitamin E Oil, non-GMO, effective, super soothing)
- Aloe Vera Gel (you’ll love this aloe vera gel)
If you are looking for 3 ingredients to start off with I would suggest:
- Coconut oil (since it’s good for more than just skincare…heck, you can cook with it)
- Shea butter
- Beeswax
You can make lots of great products with just these 3 things
3. Tools
Most the tools you need to start creating your own natural skincare items you will find right in your kitchen. You may think about eventually having some separate gear just for creating homemade items, but when you are just getting started some simple staples are all you need.
- Glass bowls – This glass bowl set gives you 3 different sizes which are great to use as a double boiler with a variety of sizes of pots
- Mason jars – Can also be used as a double boiler (make sure that no water enters your creations inside of the jar)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and wooden spoons
- Kitchen scale – Required with recipes requiring a weight measurement, which the majority of DIY skincare recipes utilize; this kitchen scale is fantabulous
- Storage containers – There are loads of affordable containers over at Pronounce Skincare in the Herbal Boutique. Jess offers them individually at great prices.
With just these simple ingredients, ideas, and supplies I have been able to create a ton of different body products.
But remember, I didn’t just decide one day that I would start making my own skincare products and order everything I needed to make them all. I started slow, bought things as I could (I was a poor grad student living off of one income), and would order in bulk to save money! In the long run I saved a ton of money making my own products and had a ton of fun!
What have YOU made already and what will you make next?
Not feeling particularly DIYish? Of course, Pronounce Skincare has you covered. Click below to shop!
